Why Is My World Upside Down? Bioidentical Hormones May Be A Solution

Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and vaginal dryness are
symptoms that many women deal with as they move through menopause.
These symptoms impact women’s daily lives and their quality of life. In
an effort to get their lives back, women are looking for solutions for
symptoms of menopause.

One solution is using bioidentical hormones to even out the changes
in female hormones that cause these problems. What are bioidentical
hormones and how do they work?

Bioidentical hormones are hormones that have the exact same chemical
structure as ones that our body produces. They are also hormones that
are made from plant substances, usually soy and yams, and converted into
the exact form of estrogens our body produces. They can help balance
hormones and reduce menopausal symptoms.

The bioidentical estrogens are 17 beta-estradiol, estrone and
estriol. The body cannot tell the difference between these and the
hormones your ovaries produce.

In addition to estrogens, there's also bioidentical micronized
progesterone. This is used in combination with estrogens to reduce
symptoms.

This combination of estrogens and progesterone is used for all women
with a uterus. The combination can prevent the increased risk of
endometrial cancer that happens if only estrogens are being prescribed.

If a woman has had a hysterectomy a more personalized bioidentical
treatment that does not necessarily include progesterone may be
included.

Bioidentical estrogens can be prescribed in pill, patch, cream, gel,
lotion or vaginal preparation form. Progesterones are in capsules or
gel form only. Bioidentical hormones have been shown to reduce
menopausal symptoms without side effects.

One of the concerns some patient express about hormone replacement
therapy is in regards to the controversy surrounding the use of hormones
during the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI).

During that study it was found that taking synthetic hormones
increased the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, stroke and blood
clots. The recommendations for that study were clear. Women need to
have discussions with their doctors before taking hormone replacement
therapy.

Since that time the medical community has more options for treatment,
e.g., creams, gels and patches that were not studied during WHI study,
and that cause different actions in the body. Bioidentical hormones
fall into that category, too.

So if you are have moderate to severe symptoms what should you do?

Consult a licensed doctor about the best overall treatment for you,
which may include bioidentical hormones. The reason you must be under
the care of a qualified doctor is to monitor your hormone levels during
the treatment, to create the right balance for your body's needs.